Jessie Bates gets real about his future with the Bengals
Safety Jessie Bates may have played his last game for the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday night. Bates is set to be a free agent in March when the new league year begins. And after failing to work out a contract extension with the Bengals last summer (and subsequently playing the 2022 season on the franchise […]
Safety Jessie Bates may have played his last game for the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday night.
Bates is set to be a free agent in March when the new league year begins. And after failing to work out a contract extension with the Bengals last summer (and subsequently playing the 2022 season on the franchise tag), there are plenty of fans and analysts who don't expect the star defensive back to return in 2023.
On Monday, the day after losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game, Bates met with reporters in the Bengals' locker room and he discussed his future in Cincinnati.
The former Wake Forest star got a bit emotional while discussing what comes next.
"I've met a lot of great people in this locker room, in this training room," said Bates. "You know reporters. Normal people in Cincinnati. I have built huge relationships and connections. So yeah, if this is it, I'm super grateful for the process. Super grateful for everything that I've learned here in Cincinnati, my five years, so we'll see what happens."
Bates added that he wants to remain in Cincinnati, but he said he can't leave $10 million on the table and be OK with that.
That's certainly understandable — getting that first big free-agent contract is important. It's a deal where players don't want to leave any cash on the table because they don't know if they'll ever get another shot at free agency.
It'll be interesting to see what kind of interest Bates receives when he hits the open market. If he doesn't get the type of deal he's looking for, then maybe he'll be able to work something out with the Bengals.
I just don't think it's likely. Not when Joe Burrow is going to get paid this offseason and Ja'Marr Chase will get paid next offseason. Cincy is going to need every bit of cap space they can get.
The good news if you're looking for a reunion, however, is that Bates doesn't want out of Cincy. If the offers are close, I could see Bates taking slightly less to remain with the Bengals. But he won't be leaving millions on the table. And I don't think anyone can blame him for that.
Featured image via Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
